Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a perfect weeknight dinner that’s equal parts cozy, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is about to become your new best friend. Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of simmered veggies and sharp cheddar after a long day — and all you had to do was toss a handful of simple ingredients in your slow cooker. This soup is velvety, flavorful, and delightfully nourishing, with tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and a luxuriously cheesy base. Whether you want to warm up on a chilly evening or impress with a soul-soothing starter, this hearty bowl never fails to please!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The best soups start with uncomplicated, wholesome pantry staples — and every single ingredient here is chosen for maximum flavor and texture. Trust me, each one has its own essential role, giving you that signature color, melt-in-your-mouth feel, and classic Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup taste we all adore.
- Broccoli florets: Go for fresh or frozen — they’ll give the soup its iconic green pop and refreshing, earthy flavor.
- Onion: Diced onion brings depth and gentle sweetness to balance all that cheesy goodness.
- Garlic: Just two cloves wake up every flavor in the pot (don’t skip it!).
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds richness and gives the soup its hearty, warming background; use vegetable for a vegetarian version.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Shred it fresh for the best melt and tang — it’s the heart and soul of Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup!
- Shredded carrots: For subtle sweetness and a gorgeous burst of orange.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Makes every spoonful velvety and ultra-creamy.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the base to perfect, spoon-coating consistency (swap for gluten-free if needed).
- Salt: Just enough to balance and enhance every other flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- Paprika: This tiny bit adds smoky undertones and extra color.
How to Make Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Veggies
Before you get going, give your broccoli a good rinse and chop it into bite-sized florets. Dice your onion, mince the garlic, and grab those shredded carrots. A little prep now makes the rest effortless!
Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot
Spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray (it helps so much with cleanup). Pile in the broccoli, onion, garlic, shredded carrots, and pour in the broth. Pop on the lid and let your slow cooker do its magic.
Step 3: Let It Simmer and Get Cozy
Set your crockpot to low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours) and just let everything become soft, fragrant, and deeply flavorful. No peeking needed — this is your chance to relax or get on with your day!
Step 4: Add the Creamy Base
About 20 minutes before serving, whisk your flour into the half-and-half or heavy cream in a small bowl until it’s totally smooth. Gently stir this mixture into the soup along with the salt, pepper, and paprika for a beautiful creamy texture.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Add in that shredded sharp cheddar and give a gentle stir until it melts right in, turning your Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup into a bowl of cheesy bliss. Let it cook another 15 to 20 minutes, just until thickened.
Step 6: Blend (Optional)
If you like your soup extra silky, use an immersion blender to blend part (or all) of it before adding the cheese. This step is totally optional, but it’s a great way to customize the texture.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Once your soup is thick and the cheese is perfectly melted, give it one last taste test for seasoning. Then, ladle up the warmth and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
How to Serve Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes
Give your Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup a little touch of flair! Sprinkle on extra shredded cheddar, crack a grind of black pepper, or add a pinch of paprika for pop. Chopped chives, a swirl of cream, or homemade croutons make every bowl feel restaurant-worthy and extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this cheesy soup with thick slices of crusty sourdough or a warm baguette, perfect for dunking and scooping up every last bit. If you’re feeling ambitious, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side turn your meal into a cozy feast without a lot of fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a memorable (and edible!) presentation, or pour smaller portions into mugs for a party-ready appetizer. You can even top individual servings with roasted broccoli florets or a sprinkle of crunchy bacon for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days — the flavors actually deepen as it sits, making those next-day servings even better!
Freezing
You can freeze cooled soup in labeled freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. The texture may change slightly after thawing (thanks to the cheese and cream), but a quick re-blend and stir will bring it right back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to keep it smooth. If it thickens up, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it. Alternatively, reheat single portions in the microwave, pausing to stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works beautifully in Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Just add it in straight from the freezer and let your slow cooker do the rest — no need to adjust the cooking time.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. The rest of the ingredients (with vegetable broth) are already gluten-free-friendly, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or creaminess.
Can I use a different type Soup
While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to try other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of Gruyère for extra richness. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt smoothly for the best soup texture.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
It’s simple! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly. The rest of the Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is totally meat-free and full of hearty, satisfying flavor.
How do I adjust the soup’s thickness?
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer at the end, or add an extra tablespoon of flour when mixing with the cream. For a thinner consistency, stir in a little extra broth until it’s just right.
Final Thoughts
Try this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup and discover just how easy (and comforting) homemade soup can be. I promise, whether you’re dishing it up for weeknight coziness or sharing with friends, this recipe will warm your kitchen and your heart. Happy slow cooking!
Print
Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Perfect for a cozy night in, this easy-to-make soup is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Cream Mixture:
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Spray the crockpot: Coat the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook Vegetables: Add broccoli, onion, garlic, carrots, and broth to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until tender.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: Whisk flour into half-and-half until smooth. Pour into crockpot with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Cook an additional 15-20 minutes on low until thickened.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup before adding cheese.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 14 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 mg